[MERCEDES-BENZ AEGEAN CUP] The U.S. under-17 boys national team began its last international trip under Coach Wilmer Cabrera with a 2-1 loss to host Turkey in the opening game of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Aegean Cup in Manisa, Turkey.

-- Turkey scored within the first six minutes of each half to earn revenge for its 2-1 loss to the USA at the 2011 Nike Friendlies in Florida. DeAndre Robinson scored the lone U.S. goal in the match, cutting the deficit in half in the 54th minute. Next up: Denmark on Wednesday and the Czech Republic on Friday.

-- Of the 20 players traveling to Turkey, 17 featured at the 2011 Nike International Friendlies in December, including all five of the U.S. goalscorers: Rubio Rubin, Wesley Wade, Tyler Turner, Junior Flores and Robinson.

-- Traveling with the squad for the first time since entering residency are defender Jorge Miranda, midfielder Aaron Meyer and forward Lawrence Taiwo. Both Miranda and Taiwo have youth club teammates on the U-17s traveling in Turkey.